Little, tiny leaf buds offer so much promise ...

Things are coming to life on my balcony. Left: Goldflame honeysuckle vine. Top right: Black Lace elderberry shrub. Bottom right: Hardiest Japanese maple I've ever seen.

The maple, Acer palmatum dissectum "Orangeola," has lived through two winters now in an uncovered pot on my windy Chicago balcony. I originally bought it for its great arching, twisted branches, thinking I would treat it as an annual. I was surprised last spring when it leafed out, but chalked it up to the particularly mild winter. This year, I am stunned to see it back. It was down around 0° this year.